Electric time switches



NOV. v26, 1968 H J, LOVEGROVE '3,413,425

ELECTRIC TIME swTcHEs Filed Oct. 27, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 pag.3.

/lV VE N TOR Nov. 26, 1968 H. J. LOVEGROVE 3,413,425

ELECTRIC TIME SWITCHES Filed Oct. 27, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 V r ,Z P--13 l )Q 0 lsv om l 9=M i `I I' "8"" HA l' FlC5./:7PM l u i 40 42 49 6PM33 |47 f 38 50cl.` 4o n o lll I l l 37 g /Vl/ENTOR #my 1704 Japie amig/'0 Ue 4 TTOR/VE Y5 Nov. 26, 1968 H. J. LovEGRovE ELECTRIC TIME SWITCHES 5 SheetsSheet 4 Filed Oct. 27, 1965 /A/ VE N 70k A TToR/ve 7s Nov. 26, 1968' H. J. LovEGRovE ELECTRIC TIME SWITCHES 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 27, 1965 SUN NNLL

A 7' TOR/VE YS United States Patent O 3,413,425 ELECTRIC TIME SWITCHES Henry Joseph Lovegrove, Hadley Wood, Barnet, England, assignor to Sangamo Electric Company, Springfield, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Filed Oct. 27, 1965, Ser. No. 505,327 Claims priority, application Great Britain, Oct. 30, 1964, 44,417/ 64 12 Claims. (Cl. 200-38) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A switch mechanism for controlling one or more electric circuits in timed relation comprising a plurality of continuously rotatable annular tracks disposed in axially paired relation, a plurality of switch operating abutments disposed in selected spaced relation about the peripheries of the tracks, first switch means operatively associated with each pair of tracks through lever rockers movable by the abutments, second switch means associated with the tirst switch means for controlling an electric load circuit, and an electric selector switch operative through pawl and ratchet means for selectively establishing electrical connection between the first and second switch means.

This invention relates to electric time switches and is more particularly concerned with arrangements for providing a plurality of time-controlled switching operations each of which is independently variable with regard to its time of occurrence such as, for example, a seven-day time switch allowing independent setting of the switch-on and switch-off times on each of the seven days of a week.

Known forms of time switch designed to have a sevenday switching program usually comprise a dial which rotates once during the whole of the seven-day period and in order to accommodate at least two adjustable switch operating targets on each of the sections assigned to the different days of the week, the diameter of such dial must necessarily be large if reasonably easy setting and accuracy of timing is to be achieved.

One object of the present invention is to provide an alternative form of such a time switch which avoids the use of a large diameter dial and which is easy to set, which has a high degree of setting accuracy and which permits, if necessary, a number of successive switch operations in each unit, e.g. day time period. Other objects include the provision of a device which is readily usable or adaptable to provide a plurality of separate time switch programs which may be used selectively to control a single circuit or simultaneously to control a number of independent circuits.

According to the invention there is provided a time switching mechanism comprising a continuously rotating member including a plurality of separate circular tracks in coaxial relationship with each other, each track being arranged to carry at` least one switch operating abutment or target adjustable in position therearound, timing means for continuously rotating said rotatable member at a uniform speed once during each of a plurality of successive time cycles of equal duration, stationary electric switch means, and a plurality of separate electric switch operating members associated one with each of said tracks and each arranged to be capable of operating said switch means by engagement thereof with an abutment or target in such track.

The aforesaid circular tracks are preferably arranged in pairs for operating the said electric switch means to a first of two alternative switching positions by means of an abutment or target in one track and to the second of the alternative switching positions by means of an abutment or target in the other track.

3,413,425 Patented Nov. 26, 1968 ICC In one form of the invention a plurality of separate switches are provided, one for control by each of the pairs of tracks. Such switches may be arranged each to control an associated separate electric circuit thereby, to provide simultaneous time switch control of an equivalent number of circuits each according to its own chosen program. Alternatively, by means of a multiple position selector switch, any one of said plurality of separate trackoperated switches may be connected into a single timecontrolled switching circuit to provide time-switch control according to any chosen one of the plurality of programs as set up by the positions of the targets in the different pairs of tracks. Such multiple position selector switch may be arranged to be operated in step-by-step manner by each revolution of the rotating track carrying member so as to provide a predetermined sequence of switching programs, eg. one for each day of a week.

In another form of the invention only a single two-position electric switch is employed and this is arranged to be placed under the operational control of any one of the pairs of tracks by adjustment of the position of intermediate selector mechanism. Such selector mechanism may be arranged for manual control to allow choice of any one of the different switching programs as defined by the target positions in the different pairs of tracks or, as with the aforementioned selector switch, it may be arranged to be altered automatically step-by-step with each complete revolution of the rotating track-carrying member to provide a predetermined sequence of switching programs.

In order that the nature of the invention may be better understood several practical embodiments thereof will now be described by way of illustrative example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view of one embodiment in which the outer casing has been removed and part of the drum-like rotatable member cut away.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevation of the structure shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURES 3 and 4 are electrical circuit diagrams illustrating the alternative use of the mechanism shown in FIGURES l and 2 as a time switch providing a seven day switching program and seven separate switching programs per day respectively;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary elevational view, similar to FIGURE 1, of an alternative embodiment of the invention using only a single time-controlled switch.

FIGURE 6 is a side elevation of the mechanism shown in FIGURE 5 as viewed from the right;

FIGURE 7 is a side elevation, similar to FIGURE 6, of the mechanism of FIGURE 5 as viewed from the left.

FIGURE 8 is a circuit diagram, similar to FIGURE 3, and applicable to the embodiment of FIGURES 5-7 while FIGURES 9 and l0 are circuit diagrams illustrating simplified arrangements in which the controlled switches of the mechanisms of FIGURES l and 2 and FIGURES 5-7 effect direct switching of their respective loads.

Referring first to FIGURES 1 and 2, the device shown comprises a bank of fourteen rings 10 of moulded plastic material assembled in coaxial and clamped relationship between two circular end plates 11 to form a drum-like member 12 which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis on bearings carried by :tixed brackets 13 projecting from a stationary housing 14. Timing means 15, which lmay be either in the form of a synchronous electric motor, a manually wound storage spring or an electric motor wound storage spring, is mounted inside the member 12 and is arranged to rotate the latter at a uniform speed of one revolution every 24 hours. If a manually wound spring is employed as the timing means 15, this may be wound through a hollow axle 16.

The rings 10 are arranged as seven pairs, .e. one pair for each 24-hour or day period and each ring 10 is provided with a number of radially directed holes 17 equally spaced around its outer surface to accept switch operating .abutlrnents or target pins 18 as required, the number of different positions provided on each ring being conveniently 96j to provide for switching control at any l5-minute interval of the 24-hour unit time period.

The drum-like rotatable member 12 rotates in front of the housing 14 and upon the latter is secured seven singlepole change-over switches 19, each switch being adapted to be moved to one position by means of any target pin 18 in one of the two rings of a related pair of rings 10 and to be moved to its opposite position by any target pin in the other ring of the same pair. Such switches are conveniently of the rocker-bar type. Each pair of adjacent rings accordingly can be used to provide one or more switching-on and subsequent switching-off operations of the related switch 19 during each 24-hour period.

One of the end plates 11 of the rotatable drum member 12 carries a projecting pin 21 adapted to engage and move a lever arm 70 which is pivoted at 71 on the housing 14 and biased by means of spring 72 in an anticlockwise direction, FIGURE l. Upon this lever arm 70 is mounted a pawl 73 spring biased into engagement with a seven-toothed ratchet wheel 74 secured to the operating shaft 75 of a seven position rotary selector switch 22 which is mounted in the housing 14. During each revolution of the drum member 10, the pin 21 engages and lifts the lever arm 70 thereby to raise the pawl 73 to engage the next tooth of the ratchet wheel 74. When the pin 21 eventually slips from beneath the arm 70 the spring 72 returns the arm. to its lowermost position and simultaneously advances the switch 22 by one step. The position of the pin 21 on the member 12 is such that each switch stepping operation takes place at a chosen time instant, say midnight, of each day.

A timescale 23 provided on one of the end plates 11 co-operates with a time index 24 secured to the adjacent bracket 13 to ensure correct setting of the member 10 with reference to local time. One or each of the end plates 11 is preferably also provided around its circumferential edge surface with a further time scale 25 to facilitate setting of-the target pins 18 while a further iixed indicator plate 26 allows ready identification of the particular ring 10 assigned to on or oif switching on the different days of the week. A rotatable indicator disc 27 secured to the shaft 75 of the switch 22 is rotated once per week in the above described step manner at each midnight time instant andindicates the particular pair of rings 10 effective at any given time. The drum member 12 is arranged to be capable of being rotatable manually in the forward direction to allow correct setting thereof with relation to local time by the provision of a friction clutch between the timing means 15 .and such member 12.

Within the housing 14 is located an electromagnetic impulse contactor 28 arranged to be operated through the switches 19 and itself controlling one or more load circuits by its own contacts.

As shown in FIGURE 3, the seven-position stepping switch 22 serves to connect each one of the seven changeoverswitches 19 into the circuit of the operating coil 32 of the contactor 28` in turn, such circuit including a further change-over switch 29 which is linked to and controlled by the position of the contactor plunger. The contactor 28 is shown as having alternative pairs of heavy current contacts 30, 31 one being open while the other is closed and vice versa to provide change-over control of two loads.

As will be evident from the description so far given, upon continuous operation of the timing means 15 a first one of the singleV pole change-over switches 19 will be connected in circuit by means of the selector switch 22 during the period of one day of the week, for example, Sunday, so that upon reversal of the position of such a switch 19 by an on target pin 18 in the first ring 10 of the first pair of rings, the contactor operating coil 32 will be momentarily energized and the contactor shifted to its opposite switching position. The consequent movement of switch 29 prepares for subsequent reversal of the switch 19 when it is engaged by an off target pin 18 of the adjacent ring 10 of the same pair. This again reverses the contactor 28. As many target pins 18 as desired may be inserted into each ring 10 to cause a plurality of switching operations during any 24-hour -unit time period. At midnight on the first day the switch 22 is operated for-wardly by one step to put the second changeover switch 19 into operation instead of the first whereby the contactor 28 will now be controlled `according to the setting of the target pins 18 in the third and fourth, i.e., the second pair of rings 10. On subsequent days of the week each of the other pairs of rings 10 become effective in turn in like manner.

The device so far described, suitable for providing a seven-day switching program in which the program for each day maybe quite independent of those for the other days, may readily be modified for other uses. Thus, if the seven-position selector switch 22, is arranged for direct manual operation through an external control knob instead of automatically by each rotation of the member 12, a series of seven alternate switching programs are made available on a daily basis for a single load circuit or a pair of load circuits. Such a device is suitable, for instance, for providing a range of different operation cycles in a domestic or other central heating system using gas, oil or electric power. Another modiiication, shown schematically in FIGURE 4, resides in the omission of the selector switch 22 and the provision of external connection terminals for each of the switches 19- whereby seven separate load circuits or pairs of load circuits may be controlled simultaneously on a daily basis.

Referring now to FIGURES 5 to 8 which illustrate a second embodiment of the invention, the drum-like member 12 is arranged to rotate once per day as before and has on and off target pins 18a :and 18b positioned respectively in each pair of rings 10' to provide on and off switching.

The pins 18a, 18b of each pair of rings 10 lare arranged to co-operate with corresponding rocker arms 35a, 35b respectively. Each rocker arm 35a, 35b is shaped with an eye 35i,` at one end, a pin-engaging nose 35d at its opposite end and a fulcrum projection 35e at an intermediate position opposite a selector cam roller 36 which is mounted in the brackets 13 for rotation about an axis parallel to that of the member 12.

The arms 35a, 35b :are supported by a horizontal rod 44 passing through the respective eyes 35a with each arm in alignment with the rotational path of the related target pins 18a, 18b. The cam r-oller 36 is provided with seven proud portions 36a which are spaced axially to align respectively with the seven pairs of rocker arms 35a, 35b and which `are also angularly displaced relative to one another whereby, in any adjusted position of the cam roller 36, only one portion 36a can be located beneath the fulcrum projections 35e of one pair of rocker arms 35a, 35b.

Rotation of the various target pins 18a, 18b will be ineffective on all of the rocker arms 35a, 35b except the pair whose fulcrum projections 35C are resting upon a Iportion 36a of the cam roller 36 owing to the nose ends 35d of such other :arms being lowered below the level of the pin heads. With the operative or raised pair, however, the on target pin 18a is adapted to strike the nose end 35d of the arm 35a thereby rocking the latter about the fulcrum projection 35e to bring the other end 35C of this arm into contact with an aligned arm 37a which is formed integrally with six other similar arms anda switch operating sector plate 37 as a horizontal element pivotally mounted in the end plates 13 for rocking movement about the pivot axis 39. The resultant movement of the engaged arm 37a is transmitted to the sector plate 37 which in turn operates .a single pole change-over micro-switch 38. The sector plate 37 has a shoulder 40` behind which a .pawl ar-m 41 engages to latch the sector plate and this holds the switch'A in its altered position even when the rocker arm 35a is released by onward movement of the target pin 18a. The pawlarm 41 is formed integrally with a group of seven release arms 43 as a further horizontal element which is pivotally mounted in the end plates 13 for rocking movement about the pivot axis 42. The various arms 43 lie in alignment with the related rocker arms 35b of each pair. The off target pin 18b is adapted to engage and movethe nose end 35d of the arm 35b which bears by its opposite eye end 35C against the aligned arm 43, thereby lifting the pawl arm 41 and releasing the sector plate 37 to return the switch to its original position.

Selection of the particular pair of rocker arms 35a, 3511 to be -operative at any time is effected by rotating the day selection cam roller 36. As in the previous embodiment, change of position of this roller is preferably arranged to take place at midnight of each day and in no way alters the then-existing condition of the micro-svntch 38 as the eye parts 35C of the arms in that region merely pivot about the rod 44.

The mechanism for :automatically rotating the day selection cam roller 36 is shown generally in FIGURE 7. Such mechanism is mounted at the end of the drum-like member 12 opposite that of the switch 38 and comprises a seven-tooth ratchet wheel 46 and a seven-tooth stop wheel 47 both secured to the spindle of the cam-roller 36.

An axially projecting ear 49 on one side face of the drum-like member 12 and corresponding to the projecting pin 21 of FIGURES 1 and 2, engages the freeend 50a of a day change lever 50 pivoted at 50b on theadjacent end plate 13 while a horn 51 on the lever 50 meshes with a notch 52 .on the ratchet wheel 46 to prevent the latter turning backwards. Simultaneously a resilient pawl 53 integral with or fixed to the day change lever 50 commences to ride over a tooth of the ratchet wheel 46.

A tension spring 54 connected between the lever 50l and a fixed anchorage point becomes tensionedl by the movementof the lever 50 .and provides the force which returns the day change lever to its rest position when it is so released from behind the ear 49; the pawl 53 which vhas become engaged behind the next tooth of the ratchet wheel then rapidly turns the latter and the combined day selection cam roller 36 by one step. To prevent continued rotation of this assembly owing to inertia after the day change lever has come to rest against a fixed stop member 55, locking arm 56 fixed to or integral with the lever 50 carries a pawl end which engages a step 57 on the stop wheel 47locking it and the rest of the assembly until the next cycle when the day change lever is again operated.

The circuit diagram of this embodiment is shown in FIGURE 8 and closely resembles that of the first embodiment shown in FIGURE 3 in both construction and manner of operation apart .from the omission of the Selector switch 22. In either circuit arrangement additional means, such as a manually operable push button switch, may be provided -for altering the position of the contactor 28 independently of the program set by the drum 12. The two (on control and off control) rings of each pair in either embodiment may be of different colors for easy identification.

While the particular examples described are arranged to operate with a total program period of one week in seven successive 24-hour or day unit time periods, it will be clear that each revolution of the drum which defines the unit time period may take place in any chosen period of time, e.g., l hour or 12 hours while the number olf successive unit time periods may similarly be altered by increasing or decreasing the number of pairs of targetreceiving rings with corresponding alteration of the number of stepping positions of the selector switch 22 or the cam roller 36. The number of target positions in each ring may likewise be altered as required. The form of the contactor 28 and the number of load circuits controlled thereby may obviously be modified to suit different requirements.

It is not essential for either of the embodiments to control the external load circuits through contactors as shown in FIGURES 3 and 8. They may tbe connected directly to loads 60 within the capacity of the switches themselves as shown in FIGURES 9 and 10.

I claim:

1. Electric time switching mechanism for use with a time controlled switching cir-cuit and the like comprising a continuously rotatable member including a plurality of separate circular tracks in co-axial relationship with each other, each track carrying at least one switch operating abutment adjustable in position therearound, timing means disposed within said rotatable member for continuously rotating said rotatable member at a uniform speed once during each of a plurality of successive time cycles of equal duration, stationary electric switch means, a plurality of separate electric switch operating members associated one Withleach of said tracks and each adapted to operate said switch means lby engagement thereof with an abutment in such track, and means operatively associated with said rotatable member for placing the time controlled switching circuit under the operational control of selected pairs of said tracks in time phase relation with rotational movement of said rotatable member.

2. Electric time switching mechanism according to claim 1 in which said plurality of tracks are arranged in pairs for operating said electric switch means to a -iirst of two alternative switching states by means of an abutment in one track and to the second of said alternative switching states by means of an abutment in the other track.

3. IElectric time switching mechanism according to claim 2 in which said electric switch means comprises a plurality of separate electric switches associated one with each of said pairs of tracks. I

4. Electric time switching mechanism according to claim 3 wherein said means operatively associated with said rotatable member includes a multiple position electric selector switch operatively associated with said rotatable member and [adapted to connect any one of said plurality of separate'` electric switches into the time controlled switching circuit.

5. Electric time switching mechanism according to claim 2 wherein said electric switch means comprises a single electric switch, and wherein said means operatively associated with said rotatable. member includes selector mechanism for placing said single switch under the operational control of any chosen one of said pairs of tracks.

6. Electric time switching mechanism according to claim 5 wherein said means operatively associated with said rotatable member further includes pawl and ratchet means operable during each revolution of said rotatable member at a predetermined angular displacement position thereof for altering said selector mechanism so as to effect time control of the switching circuit in accordance with abutment positions in different pairs of tracks.

`7. Electric time switching mechanism according to claim 4 wherein said means operatively associated wit-h said rotatable member includes pawl and ratchet means operable during leach revolution of said rotatable member at a predetermined angular displacement position thereof for altering said selector switch so as to effect time control of the switching circuit in accordance with abutment positions in different pairs of tracks.

8. Electric time switching mechanism according to claim 5 wherein said selector mechanism includes a rotatable cam-roller having a plurality of axially spaced projections thereon, each of said projections corresponding to a pair of said tracks, and wherein said switch operating members comprise rocker arms pivotally supported in selected pairs such that each pair of rocker arms is selectively movable into operative position through engagement with an associated one of said camroller projections.

9. Electric time switching mechanism according to claim 6 wherein said -selector mechanism includes a rotatable cam-roller having -a plurality of axially spaced projections thereon, each of said projections corresponding to a pair of said tracks and adapted to engage corresponding switch operating members, said cam-roller being rotatable through said pawl and ratchet means, and said rotatable member having an Aabutment thereon adapted to actuate said pawl and ratchet means.

10. Electric time switching mechanism according to claim 2 wherein said timing means comprises a synchronous electric motor.

11. Electric time switching mechanism according to claim 2 wherein each circular track has a plurality of 8 equidistantly spaced radially directed holes on its outer rim to accept removable abutments.

12. Electric time switching mechanism according to claim 11 in which each of said tracks is constituted` by a separate ring shaped element.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,245,485 1l/l917 Martyn 307-141 2,212,868 8/ 1940 Strong 200L-38 2,504,002' 4/ 1950 Crum ZOO- 38X 2,580,787 I1/1952 Johnson 307-141.8 2,992,299 7/ 1961 Saunders 200-38 3,198,967 =8/1965 Roberts 307-141.4 3,215,791 11/1965 Fontaine 20G-38 ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner.

HERMAN O. I ONES, Assistant Examiner. 

